« Embracing good enough | Home | Are American families staying inside to play? »
This valentine is for the birds
By Christina Quick | February 13, 2008
It’s that time of year. I’ve been sweeping up bits of paper, dried paint and glitter for days in the wake of my 9-year-old daughter’s valentine-making marathon. In addition to the human members of the family, she has created cards for the dog, cat and parakeets.
Just when I thought it was winding down yesterday afternoon, she looked out the window at the wild birds scavenging for food in the snow and ice.
“I know!” she said. “I’ll make a valentine for the animals outside.”
To say my daughter loves animals would be an understatement. She once insisted on paying the difference from her allowance money when I tried to skimp and buy eggs that were not “cage-free.” She checks our beauty products to be sure they were not tested on animals. And she recently informed me I should not purchase anything made with palm oil because the production of such oil depletes the habitats of orangutans. For her birthday, in lieu of a party or big gift, she chose to adopt a Florida manatee named Nick. So it seemed perfectly natural that she would think of sparrows at Valentine’s Day.
Looking around the pantry, we gathered up some raisin bread, peanut butter and birdseed. We toasted the bread and threaded a piece of yarn through the center. We then coated both sides with peanut butter and pressed it in the birdseed. Hanging from a tree limb outside, it was better than a box of chocolates for our feathered friends.
To top it off, my daughter made a paper valentine for the birds and squirrels, telling them, “I love you all so much!” We hung it on the deck, away from the edible treat where it wouldn’t scare the birds as it flapped in the wind. Of course, my daughter is old enough to understand animals can’t read. But I suppose that’s a trivial detail.
As I considered this, I wondered how many times I have enjoyed God’s benefits without discerning the heartfelt messages behind them. Yet, in His great compassion, He continues to lavish us with good things. I think it’s because He loves us all so much.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)
Topics: Faith |
February 13th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
That’s sweet. She reminds me a lot of someone else I know. Must be a family thing. Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Cute and funny. I enjoyed the reminder of God’s love for us as seen through your daughter’s example.Thanks for sharing.